WE BEAUTY - Foods That Make Your Skin Glow!

by Carol A. Allen

Using an advanced skin care system and drinking water daily will give you a healthy, radiant complexion and minimize the signs of aging. But, the foods that you eat everyday are just as important. You'd probably be surprised to learn that many of your favourite foods can actually help you to achieve a natural glow.

Green and orange fruits and vegetables such as spinach, green beans, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes help to prevent premature wrinkling and bumpy skin. Sweet potatoes, spinach, grapefruit, cantaloupe and tomatoes are high in beta-carotene which helps to absorb light and may minimize sunburn. They contain vitamins C and E and the beta-carotene converts to vitamin A once digested, acting as an anti-oxidant and speeding up new skin cell growth.
Milk, liver, eggs, oily fish, some fortified cereals and margarine contain Vitamin A. B vitamins in milk, liver, eggs, cheese, beef, lentils, nuts and whole grains improve poor circulation often associated with itchiness. Soothe flaky, oily, and dry skin with a sprinkling of wheat germ on oatmeal.

Vitamin E, another powerful anti-oxidant, is found in avocados, hazelnuts and pine nuts. Papayas, rich in vitamin B and beta-carotene, help to cleanse the stomach, the starting point for many disorders. Stomach toxins can appear on your skin as a blemish, pigmentation or dullness. Prevent this by drinking a teaspoon of pure honey with half of a lemon squeezed in a glass of warm water daily and avoiding strong laxatives which can dehydrate the system.
Taken internally, the healing properties of the aloe vera gel are very unique as it detoxifies your system and provides vitamins and minerals. Apply it topically to relieve dry, irritated or damaged skin.

To build collagen and improve your skin’s strength, eat Vitamin C-enriched foods such as broccoli, kiwi fruits, oranges, guava, blueberries, and strawberries. Berries and melons are generally low in sugar which keeps skin firm, while soy milk and tofu are high in protein maintaining the skin’s collagen levels.

Skin elasticity is enhanced by drinking at least 1.5 litres of water per day which makes the kidneys and oil glands function better while minimizing dryness. Limit your tea, coffee and alcohol intake to prevent dehydration. Green tea, however, has powerful health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, preventing tooth decay and cavities, and boosting the immune system.

Iron, found in dried apricots and sesame seeds, improves skin tone. Zinc-enriched foods such as oysters, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, liver, walnuts and sardines, help to soften and repair damaged skin. Onions and garlic contain sulphur which helps to keep your skin smooth.
Cooking with olive oil gives you healthy boost of essential poly and monounsaturated fats including omega-3 fatty acids. It reduces inflammation in the body such as puffy eyes and saggy skin.

A generally healthy diet which includes taking multi-vitamins and minimizing processed and high sugar content foods and saturated fats, can incredibly improve the tone, texture, and brightness of your skin while reducing lines and wrinkles. And, together with a consistent skin care routine, you've got a recipe for glowing success!

Carol Allen is a Skin Care Consultant and Make-Up Artist for Aloette Cosmetics.
You can book a personal consultation by calling (416) 410 7556 or by email to aloette@carrebizness.com